Europa League 
/ Jaymes Monte / 16 February 2011 / Leave a Comment 
Kenny Dalglish makes his first foray into the Europa League.
"One school of thought is to say that they will be lacking match fitness; the other says that they will be a lot fresher than their opponents who have endured a busy winter schedule."
This is the first ever meeting between Liverpool and Sparta Prague so which way will it go? Jaymes Monte has the answer...
Steven Gerrard was left out of the Liverpool squad that travelled to the Czech Republic to face Sparta Prague this Thursday as he continues his recovery from a groin injury.
Luis Suarez is ineligible and Daniel Agger is also out through injury. Youngsters Conor Coady, John Flanagan, Tom Ince and Jack Robinson all travelled as did 16-year-old Raheem Sterling who would become The Reds' youngest ever player if he was to feature.
Liverpool are unbeaten in ten Europa League games this season, despite regularly rotating their starting line-up. However, this will be Kenny Dalglish's baptism in the competition and whether he has the European expertise of his predecessor remains to be seen.
Sparta's qualification for the knockout stages of the Europa League was largely down to their unbeaten home form in the group stages. They currently sit second in the Czech League and will certainly provide a stern test for Liverpool.
But the Czechs haven't played a competitive game since mid-December due to their national league's winter break making it difficult to know exactly what to expect here. One school of thought is to say that they will be lacking match fitness; the other says that they will be a lot fresher than their opponents who have endured a busy winter schedule.
Fresh from a 10-day training camp in Mijas, Spain I'm inclined to believe that there is value in siding with the Czech side at [4.7]; or at least in opposing a, potentially, inexperienced Liverpool at [2.0].
The goals markets are also a little tricky to assess. While Liverpool were cagey on their European travels under Roy Hodgson, and have looked assured at the back under Dalglish lately, Sparta Prague home games in this competition have averaged 4.33 goals per game.
With over 2.5 goals available to back at [2.36] I'd prefer to put my money on this one being a high scoring game, but not with a great deal of confidence.
Liverpool's domestic season is beginning to get back on track under the new gaffer. Although a run in the Europa League isn't the priority it remains their only chance of picking up a piece of silverware this season.
Recommended Bet:
Lay Liverpool to win @ [2.0]
This is the first ever meeting between Liverpool and Sparta Prague so which way will it go? Jaymes Monte has the answer......
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